SPRINGFIELD, Mass., September 19, 2006 – Springfield College senior middle blockers MaryKathryn O’Neil (Liverpool, N.Y.) and Rachael Witte (Utica, N.Y.) recorded 20 and 19 kills, respectively, to lead the Pride past Smith College this evening, 3-1, in a New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) match at Blake Arena.

SC came out firing in game one, winning the frame by a score of 30-17. The Pride then won a close, 30-27 game to take a quick lead in the match. The Pioneers (1-6, 1-2 NEWMAC) would not go away that quietly, however, capturing the third game, 30-26. SC responded in the fourth to win the game and the match by a 30-19 edge. With the win, the Pride improves to 10-1 overall on the year and a perfect 3-0 in conference action.

Sophomore setter Caitlin Mulroy (Syracuse, N.Y.) registered a match-best 58 assists in the victory to go along with 13 digs, four kills, three blocks, and one service ace. Senior libero Leah Hettrick (Meriden, Conn.) had a team-high 23 digs for SC, as O’Neil, a tri-captain, totaled a match-best eight blocks to add to her 20 kills.

For Smith College, junior middle blocker Sara Hoffman had a very solid match for the Pioneers, leading all attackers with 22 kills on 43 total swings with just six errors for a .372 hitting percentage. Junior outside hitter Catherine Shafer chipped in with a match-best 24 digs, while also adding 10 kills.

The Pride will next travel to Cambridge, Mass., to compete in the MIT Invitational on Friday and Saturday, September 22nd and 23rd.

published: 09/19/2006